Welfare Reform on the Web (September 2009): Homelessness - UK

Information sharing protocol

H. Stephenson

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 12, Apr. 2009, p. 19-23

People with a history of homelessness often have complex needs which may adversely affect their ability to sustain a tenancy, leading to a cycle of repeat homelessness if adequate support is not provided. Having better information available at the point of re-housing allows the receiving landlord to arrange appropriate support at the start of the tenancy, reducing this risk. Local authorities can assist by improving the way that they gather, assess and share information about clients prior to their move to permanent accommodation. One way of doing this is by using the Housing Corporationís Information Sharing Protocol (ISP). This article explains how the ISP was implemented in the City of Westminster.

Mental health and the settled accommodation indicator in the SEA PSA: priority areas for local action

R. Johnson

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 12, Apr. 2009, p. 9-18

The socially excluded adults public service agreement, commonly known as PSA 16, is a new central government policy concerned with improved access to and maintenance of settled accommodation and employment for those most at risk of social exclusion. Individuals with significant mental health problems are identified as one of four key at risk groups. This paper focuses on the practical actions that can be taken at local level to improve the accommodation and employment status of this group. The discussion is structured in terms of four routes into insecure accommodation that illustrate some of the challenges and risks for professionals involved in service delivery.

(For a general explanation of the Public Service Agreement 16, see Housing, Care and Support, vol.12, Apr. 2009, p. 6-7)